Stolen moped returned to owner within the hour

A moped reported stolen was returned to its owner within an hour following work from a pair of eagle-eyed police officers.

The vehicle was reported stolen yesterday morning having been parked on London Road, West Croydon and moments later officers patrolling on Roman Way saw a moped with two riders, neither in helmets, drive past.

The officers signaled it to stop and when it ignored the request gave chase, first by car then on foot as the two abandoned the vehicle in Lower Coombe street.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police. The second suspect was not found.

The moped - a black Piaggio 'Zip' - was found to be the same that had been reported stolen and was returned to the owner.

The 16-year-old boy has since been bailed to attend the Croydon Youth Offending Team.